How To Join 2 Circles In AutoCAD?

Understanding How to Join Two Circles in AutoCAD

Joining two circles in AutoCAD can be accomplished through several methods, depending on the desired outcome and the specific requirements of your design. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively join two circles in AutoCAD 2025.

Method 1: Using the Fillet Command

1. Initiate the Fillet Command:

   • Access the Home tab and locate the Modify panel. Select the Fillet option.

2. Set the Radius:

   • A prompt will appear asking for the radius. Enter the appropriate radius value that you want the joining arc to have.
3. Select the Circles:
   • Click on the first circle, followed by the second circle. The fillet arc will be created between the two circles, effectively joining them.

Method 2: Using the Join Command

1. Draw the Circles:

   • Ensure both circles are drawn in the workspace.

2. Select the Join Option:

   • Type the command JOIN into the command line and hit Enter.
3. Select the Circles:
   • Click on both circles that you want to join. AutoCAD will connect the two circles if it recognizes them as being contiguous.

Method 3: Using the Trim and Extend Tools

1. Position the Circles:

   • Draw two circles that are overlapping or close to each other.

2. Trim Excess Parts:

   • Use the TRIM command to eliminate the overlapping segments of the circles that you do not need.
   • To use this, type TRIM, select the parts to trim, and press Enter.
3. Extend or Modify Ends:
   • Should you need to extend any segment of the circle to meet another, use the EXTEND command.
   • Select the circle you wish to extend, followed by the edge you wish to connect it to.

Method 4: Creating a Polyline Between Two Points

1. Draw Circles:

   • Ensure both circles are drawn.

2. Create a Polyline:

   • Access the Home tab, and then select Polyline from the Draw panel.
3. Set Points:
   • Click on the tangent point from one circle, followed by the tangent point from the second circle. This will create a polyline that appears as a connecting line.

FAQs

Q1: What happens if the circles do not intersect?
If the circles are not overlapping, the fillet, join, and trim methods will not work. You may need to use additional geometry to create connecting arcs or lines.

Q2: Can I join circles of different diameters?
Yes, you can join circles of varying sizes. Depending on your chosen method, adjustments might be needed to maintain the design clarity.

Q3: Are there any shortcuts for performing these actions in AutoCAD?
Yes, familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts like ‘F’ for fillet and ‘J’ for join can help speed up your workflow. Always refer to AutoCAD’s shortcut list for the latest commands.